Past TEDx event

TEDxSeremban Youth

The First Spark

Took placeAugust 2, 20262:00 PM - 6:00 PM (GMT+8)
LocationBandar Sri Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
FormatYouth
The First Spark represents the moment where every meaningful journey begins. It is the quiet beginning of an idea, a dream, a question, or a courageous decision that has the potential to create lasting change. This year's theme celebrates the belief that curiosity sparks discovery, courage inspires action, and clarity gives purpose. It reminds us that every innovator, leader, artist, entrepreneur, scientist, and changemaker once stood at the beginning of their journey with nothing more than a single spark. At TEDxSeremban Youth 2026, our speakers share the moments that shaped their lives and the ideas that continue to inspire them to make a difference. Through stories of resilience, creativity, leadership, science, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, they invite us to reflect on our own potential. The First Spark is a celebration of youth, possibility, and the belief that one idea, one voice, or one bold step can illuminate new paths and inspire a brighter future for all.

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Anna Karina Jardin

    Professional Artist & Art Visionary

    Anna Karina Jardin is a Manila-born art visionary based in Malaysia whose work over the past two decades has gone far beyond the canvas. Through her unique approach to art, she has empowered communities, strengthened cross-cultural understanding, and inspired people across generations. Combining her background in development policy with her passion for the arts, Karina has led impactful initiatives in community development, cultural diplomacy, youth empowerment, and education. Her collaborative murals, international programmes, and public art installations have brought together thousands of educators, young people, and communities across Asia and beyond. As the founder of Artdialogo Asia, she continues to connect people, ideas, and cultures through the transformative power of creativity.

  • Arishya Putri

    Aspiring Student-Athlete and Competitive Fencer

    At just 11 years old, Arishya Putri has chosen to pursue one of the world's fastest and most demanding Olympic sports, sabre fencing. Since picking up the sport at the age of eight, she has learned that every bout, every challenge, and every setback has helped shape the confidence she carries today. Beyond the fencing piste, Arishya is a student leader and young speaker who believes that confidence is not something we are born with. It is built through courage, resilience, and the willingness to take the first step, even when we are afraid.

  • Danish Harraz

    Young Chef, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist

    At just 19 years old, Danish Harraz has turned a childhood love for cooking into a thriving entrepreneurial and community-driven journey. A self-taught cook, baker, and recipe developer, he began learning through online resources and was independently cooking and baking from the age of six. Today, he is the founder of Danish's Red Kitchen, known for its pastries, desserts, and signature sambal and chilli oil. Through his initiative, Danish's Love and Support Crew, he also channels his success into helping those in need, proving that business and compassion can go hand in hand.

  • Dr. Ashwini M. Madawana

    Paediatric Dental Specialist & Healthcare Advocate

    Dr. Ashwini M. Madawana is a Paediatric Dental Specialist, lecturer, author, and healthcare advocate dedicated to making healthcare education more human, relatable, and impactful. She holds a Master in Clinical Dentistry (Paediatric Dentistry) from Universiti Sains Malaysia and an MBA in Healthcare Management from Open University Malaysia. Beyond her clinical and academic work, Dr. Ashwini is widely recognized for her contributions to public healthcare awareness through publications, media engagements, educational initiatives, and public speaking. She is also a Malaysia Book of Records holder for the Most Academic Articles Published by a Dental Specialist in a Year. Her work explores themes of resilience, identity, emotional endurance, and the everyday moments that quietly influence who we become.

  • Mirabelle Woo

    Unschooler

    Mirabelle Woo is a Malaysian unschooler, youth speaker, international performer, and musician who has built her education through curiosity, creativity, and real-world experiences. Instead of following a traditional curriculum, her learning journey has been shaped by music, public speaking, travel, international youth conferences, and meaningful experiences beyond the classroom. At TEDxSeremban Youth 2026, Mirabelle explores a powerful question: "Every Child Has a Spark. Why Do Some Never Find It?" In a world where many young people are encouraged to meet expectations and follow predetermined paths, Mirabelle challenges us to rethink how we nurture potential. Her talk highlights the importance of curiosity, exploration, and self-discovery in helping young people uncover their unique strengths and passions.

  • Nirmell Satthiyasilan

    Astrobiology Researcher & Science Communicator

    Nirmell Satthiyasilan is a final-year PhD researcher in Astrobiology, science communicator, and STEM advocate whose work explores one of humanity's greatest mysteries, the origins of life and the possibility of life beyond Earth. With over 18 years of experience across biotechnology, medical devices, education, and national development initiatives, Nirmell bridges scientific research, industry, and public engagement. His passion for astronomy led him to found Galactic Cradle, a STEM education initiative that inspires young minds through astronomy, astrobiology, and space science. Through his research and outreach, Nirmell is dedicated to making science accessible, encouraging curiosity, and inspiring the next generation of innovators and scientific thinkers.

  • Shivanjan Chakraborty

    Education Entrepreneur

    Shivanjan Chakraborty is a Dubai-based education entrepreneur, MBA graduate from the University of Manchester, and Founder of East Bridge Training, a KHDA-approved institute operating across the UAE and beyond. He currently leads strategy, marketing, and growth initiatives for East Bridge University in Paris and the Asian College of Teachers, supporting professional development and lifelong learning across Asia and the GCC region. As a young leader who has successfully built and scaled education brands across multiple international markets, Shivanjan is driven by a clear mission: to make world-class education accessible, recognizable, and transformative for educators, institutions, and the communities they serve.

  • Suresh Velsami

    Young Corporate Professional | Champion of Second Chances

    Raised in an orphanage, Suresh's journey is a powerful story of resilience, perseverance, and purpose. Today, he serves in the Learning & Development team at Hong Leong Bank, where he contributes to employee development, community engagement, and financial literacy initiatives.

Organizing team